Ageism in medicine a pressing problem

Rational Use of Medicine: A Pressing Need

The Alma-Ata declaration, during the International Conference on Primary Health Care in 1978, reaffirmed that health is a fundamental human right and the attainment of the highest possible level of health is an important worldwide social goal. [1] The conference of experts on the rational use of medicines, convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Nairobi 1985, stated that rational use...

Honour your father and mother: ageism in medicine.

In defence of ageism.

In defence of ageism.

Health care should be preferentially allocated to younger patients. This is just and is seen as just. Age is an objective factor in rationing decisions. The arguments against 'ageism' are answered. The effects of age on current methods of rationing are illustrated, and the practical applications of an age-related criterion are discussed. Ageist policies are in current use and open discussion of...

Ageism in cardiology.

This article supports the argument that ageism exists in health care, particularly on the equity of access to cardiological services. Rates of use of potentially life saving and life promoting interventions and investigations decline as the patient gets older. Higher rates of cardiological interventions occur among younger people, despite the high incidence of the condition among older indivi...